50/50 Challenge: Halfway Mark

June marks the halfway point for the 50/50 Challenge. While I've been behind on regularly updating my progress, maybe it's better that I just do it now and then near the end of the year, I can see if 2015 is the year I accomplish my goal. 

I'm not doing awful, but I'm not doing great either. Since my last update, I've seen the following movies:

#23 - True Story

#24 - Adult Beginners

#25 - Welcome to Me

#26 - Insurgent

#27 - Pitch Perfect 2

#28 - Entourage

A little bit behind on the reading end, per the usual.

#11 - Better than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives - Gretchen Rubin

#12 - The Violets of March - Sarah Jio

#13 - Into into Wild - Jon Krakauer

#14 - The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace: A Brilliant Young Man Who Left Newark for the Ivy League - Jeff Hobbs

#15 - The Artist's Way - Julia Cameron

#16 - The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho

I wouldn't even be this far on my book reading if it wasn't for my book clubs and being on pace to read something in order to discuss it later. However, of the ones I've read recently, only one was for book club.

I don't know why I never was pulled into reading Into the Wild before now, but I'm so glad I did. Jon Krakauer did an excellent job of mixing journalism with storytelling. I'm eager to read more of his work. The story of Into the Wild reflects many of my own feelings towards "how to live life." I followed up that book by reading a few articles regarding criticism surrounding both Krakauer and Christopher McCandless (whose story the book captures). When someone takes a road that goes so strongly against the norm, it's a given there will be judgment that is mostly based on misunderstanding or non-understanding. These stories are important to tell whether they go against the grain of society or not. Honestly, they're important because they go against the grain of society.

But, I digress. Movies-wise, I'm good. I'll make it to 50 and beyond. I'm confident. Books-wise, it's going to be a struggle. I'm open to suggestions for any must see/must read movies and books.

50/50 Challenge 2015: I'm at It Again

Yes, I am trying the 50/50 Challenge again! I was so, so close in 2014 that I think that this year is my year to complete it. After hearing raves about Goodreads from fellow book lover friends, I've decided to update my book progress through the site, which hopefully will help me keep better track. 

You can track my progress and become a book friend here. 

Also, by using Goodreads, I can leave all my reviews in one place to help things be more streamlined. For movies, I'll probably update this blog after every five or so movies I see. 

Here's to a new year of literature and film!  


Rooms by Lauren Oliver

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


As someone who is fascinated with ghosts, I thought the idea of writing a story from the perspective of ghosts was interesting. However, there are several narrators throughout the novel, both alive and deceased, which can cause some confusion. There is a lot going on in the history of one house.

A family has returned to settle the affairs of their father/husband who has died. The Walkers definitely is a family with issues and "ghosts" of their own and the whole story is depressing and quite melancholy. The mom is an alcoholic. The daughter is nymphomaniac who may have a daughter that is also maybe (*SPOILER:) a spirit. And, the son is contemplating suicide. If the story relied on their tales alone, it would be kind of deflating to read, but the voices of the house ghosts, Alice and Sandra, add another element of story as it relives their pasts and how they came to haunt the house.

The writing is vivid and descriptive, but there just might have been one too many characters. When discussing a story that spans over decades of years and more than one family, it can be hard to keep track of who's who.

I wanted the story to be more eerie, but it read more like a family history, which began to lose its intrigue over time. In fact, it had the book had a slow start. I like the theme the author used of traveling from room to room within the house and reliving memories that happened there and what it meant for the people involved. I also thought the end was a perfect wrap up to the story and didn't leave the reader feeling unsatisfied. There was closure.

If you do not have any interest in reading about ghosts, then this book may drag for you for reasons mentioned above. Getting the "other world" insight was what kept me reading.

*I'm not sure that this part is actually a spoiler because I am not sure if my interpretation is true or not. It'd be a question up for debate.



View all my reviews

50/50 Challenge Update: Two Months to Go!

Fall is my favorite season. Wish I had taken this photo, but alas, it's from Pinterest.

Hey-o! Less than 60 days to prove that I can read 50 books and watch 50 movies in one year. OK, I'm not really trying to prove anything, but I would enjoy the accomplishment. I'll keep this update short and sweet.

Movies

41. Gone Doggy Gone 

This screened at San Diego Film Festival and it's a fun, twisted movie that pokes fun at just how much people loooove their dogs.

42. St. Vincent

Bill Murray. Highly recommend. I laughed and cried and laughed some more.

43. The Good Lie

I also highly recommend. I was pretty much teary-eyed throughout the whole movie.

44. The Best of Me

Eh. Nicholas Sparks enthusiasts will dig it.

45. Nightcrawler

One of the most original films I've seen in awhile. Not usually a huge Jake Gyllenhaal fan, but he is fantastic in this.

Books (a measly ONE since my last update)

35. Leaving Time - Jodi Picoult

Psychics. Paranormal. Mystery. It's like Jodi Picoult surveyed me and asked, "Courtney, what is it that you want?" This was one of my favorites of hers in a long time and is reminiscent of her earlier work. She has changed publishing houses and editors, which may or may not be one of the reasons. 

35 1/2. Catch-22 - Joseph Heller

I read most of the beginning and then started to read from the back, so there's a whole middle section I skipped because I couldn't get into this book, but I really wanted to. 

I know I'll reach my movie goal, but can I make it through 15 more books?

50/50 Challenge Update: Cheesecake Motivation

How can it be that I neglected my 50/50 Challenge Update for the whole month of September? Maybe it's because I spent most of the month celebrating and toasting to the awesomeness of my birth or maybe it's because it was so darn hot that even the thought of typing on my laptop seemed too sweat-inducing to endure. Whatever the excuse, I have updates for you.

Movies

Movie-wise I have reached 40 movies and since there has been a solid scheduling of movies I am looking forward to seeing, I think reaching 50 by the end of December is in the bag. 

34. This Is Where I Leave You
Jason. Bateman. I love him and his dark humor ways, his stoic facial expression. Also, I enjoyed when Tina Fey's character decked Dax Shepard's douchebag one. The book, of course, is better.

35. Bad Country

I had the opportunity to see this one at the San Diego Film Festival with a few of my fellow movie bloggers. Tom Berenger was in the audience as well for a Q&A afterwards with film critic Jeffrey Lyons. If you didn't get the chance to attend the Film Festival, I recommend going next year. Each year is getting better.

36. Gone Girl

The most anticipated movie for me this fall as I loved the book and the writing of Gillian Flynn. She also penned the screenplay and David Fincher made sure it was extra dark and provocative. You can read my full review on Examiner.com here. 

37. The Godfather

Yes, I admit it, I had never seen "The Godfather" before. The fiance and I made it a weekday date night and went to Cinema Under the Stars to take in this classic (one of his favorites). I was entertained, as I thought I would be, but also was more impressed with how good-looking Al Pacino once was. Also, I just kept thinking of "You've Got Mail" where Tom Hanks is IM'ing Meg Ryan quotes from the movie.

38. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Based off a children's book, this movie actually made me giggle. It's good for young families and awesome in length: a short 82 minutes.

39. The Judge

My pick of the week, maybe the whole year. The acting is fantastic, the story compelling. I cried. Robert Downey, Jr. and his slick-talking ways, I enjoy him thoroughly. 

40. Men, Women, and Children

People left during this screening. I don't blame them. 

BOOKS

Since the start of fall TV, I may or may not have been slacking on my reading. I love to read, but I also really love television. A lot. My fiance and I watch a lot of shows together, most of them crime-driven ones, and by the time they're over, I'm too tired to read. 

I still think I can make my ultimate goal and have these to add to the list:

31. Me Before You by JoJo Moyes

I thought I was going to get away without crying. I made all the way until about the last five pages, then cried one of those ugly, blubbering cries. 

32. One Plus One by JoJo Moyes

This was also a strong writing effort. Not as good as Me Before You, but I would still recommend it.

33. All Fall Down - Jennifer Weiner

She is one of my favorite chick-lit writers. I read her books so quickly. 

34. David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants: Malcolm Gladwell

My first of his books. I recommend reading in chunks, reading all at once seemed to drag for me. There are some interesting stories though, especially the one about the "three strikes rule."

If you're curious as to what TV is pulling me away from reading, shows to blame are:

• The Blacklist
• The Voice
• Stalker
• Scandal
• How to Get Away with Murder
• Grey's Anatomy (I'm back to watching after taking several seasons off)

Soon to be added: Marry Me and American Horror Story. Oh, and I am going to start watching The Good Wife starting with Season One. Too much TV? Nah.

Only about two and a half months left of the challenge. Wish me luck! If I win, I am going to allow myself to eat a whole cheesecake in one sitting...semi-kidding.

50/50 Challenge Update: Reading Frenzy

shared from Read It Forward's Facebook page

I read two books this weekend. Actually, I finished one book, then started and finished two more. Toot, toot, beep, beep - you read that right. While I would love to do a book report on every book I read (really, I wouldn't), I am dedicated just not that dedicated. So, here is are my short sum-ups for the last 7 books I've read. 

If you've read any of these and want to share your reviews, thoughts, and/or tweets with me, I love hearing from other reading enthusiasts. Book nerds unite!

24. The Awakening by Kate Chopin
Ms. Chopin, must you complain so much? Feminism? Me thinks not.

25. The One & Only by Emily Giffin
Giffin-style with made-for-tv movie written all over it.

26. We Were Liars by e. Lockhart
A bit predictable, but not all disappointing.

27. Orange Is the New Black by Piper Lerman
Was indifferent about reading it. Ended up enjoying it. No, haven't seen the show yet. Nor do I have plans to.

28. Night Film by Marisha Pessl
One of the better ones I read in this stretch of books. Love the mystery and haunted feel of the novel because I am fascinated by topics in that category. I wrote a review on Goodreads for this one.

29. Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire.
Do you like the song: "Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem feat. Rihanna? Then, you'll love this book. Makes you feel good about that "bad boy" that got away.

30. Delicious by Ruth Reichl
I love reading about food. This is fiction but with plenty of food discussed. Thought it was great.

I've only watched four new movies since my last update because let's be honest, this summer has sucked in terms of new movies. Blockbusters? Please. Millions of dollars at the box office still does not a good movie make. 

30. The Expendables 3
Whenever the first one came out I thought it was a parody. I'm still not convinced this is not the case. Lots of action. Crappy plot. And, those men are getting OLD.

31. Love Is Strange
Sweetly simple but dealing with a lot of complex emotions and topics. 

32. TMNT
No, I never saw the original. I was a kid who hardly watched tv and played outside or read. Big surprise there. Those turtles are kinda creepy, yeah? 

33. Guardians of the Galaxy
Had hoped for better. Love Vin Diesel's dialogue. Ha! Watched it at the drive-in with TMNT which was cool. Fun night out. 

I'm happy that I am whittling away at my library and book club list, and some of my must-see movies are coming out soon. Until my next update, which I know you await with bated breath, happy reading and watching!

50/50 Challenge Update: Halfway Mark

Only 10 more days left in June and we're at the halfway mark for the 50/50 Challenge. I don't know how you're doing with your reading/watching goals, but I am right on track. Almost.

Movie-wise I feel like I'm coasting right along.

Taylor Kitsch is fun to look at and he stars in Movie #22

22. The Grand Seduction

23. 22 Jump Street

24. Obvious Child

25. Jersey Boys

Let me say one thing about how I write movie reviews: I don't like being mean. If the movie is a snore or I think that the director or the actors mailed it in, then yeah, I'll say so. But I am not a critic.

I'm not going to analyze the cinematography and nitpick every last detail. I am going to tell you what the movie is about, whether I liked it, and why. That's it.

I always think no matter how awful the film, there are people who have put their efforts into producing something for the big screen. And whether it sucks or not, I have some kind of soft spot for the bravery that takes.

Book-wise I'm further behind than I thought. I felt I had read more than I had, so I need to pick up the pace.

18. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

I liked this book just fine but didn't fall in love with it as many people in my book club did. I loved the 80's throwback and the thought of young love and those all-important, all-consuming conversations, but I just liked.

I will most likely see the movie (said to come out in 2015) but I won't have the fangirl eagerness that I did for "The Hunger Games" or even "Divergent." My YA excitement only stretches so far.

Currently, I'm reading This Is Where I Leave You that which I do LOVE. Sarcasm is so my speed. Plus, this movie coming out in August is starring one of my favorite actors - Jason Bateman.

What's a movie you haven't seen that people give you crap about for not seeing?

For me it's probably "The Princess Bride." I still have no interest in seeing it.